Govt schools in UP a letdown, reveals survey

The eighth annual status of education report, ASER 2012, released on Thursday brings a mixed bag for Uttar Pradesh.

Starting on a positive note, the report says the enrolment rate of 6-14 age group kids continues to be high in Uttar Pradesh.

Around 93.6% of all children in this age group were enrolled in schools in rural UP in 2012.

On the other hand, the number of girls (11-14 years) not going to school has increased from 9.7% in 2011 to 11.5% in 2012.

Also, basic reading and arithmetic remain a cause for concern.

The report says decline in reading level (ability to read books) is more visible among children in government schools as compared to those in private schools.

Hence, more children are enrolled in private schools in UP than in government schools in standard 1-8. In 2012, of all children enrolled in class 1-8, close to 54% children were going to private schools or taking paid private tuition.

The report says corresponding to the national trend, the proportion of small schools has been rising in UP.

A total of 1,888 schools were visited in UP during ASER 2012, which found improvement in basic facilities in UP with time.

In 2012, 81.3% of all schools had drinking water facility, which is above the all India average of 73%.

The proportion of schools with usable toilets has also increased from 47.4% in 2010 to 52.5% in 2012. Approximately, 83% of schools visited had separate provisions for girls’ toilets. Mid-day meal was being served in 85.6% of schools that were visited.